Just home from Enchantment. My Review

[rolloman]

This is my 2nd tour of this ship. The first one was before the refurb. Embarkation was a breeze in Fort Lauderdale. I proceeded straight to the buffet. Personally I did not like the new Windjammer circular design. I caught it at a crowded time and you could not tell where the line started or ended. People were extremely crowded and bumping into each other. They should have left it alone, the previous design worked great. The food was good, with a nice selection of entrees and deserts.

As I toured the ship, one could tell it was in great shape. Clean and beautiful throughout. They allowed everyone to enter their rooms at 1pm. I had cabin 8672 one of the "coveted" aft balcony suites. The room was nice and by cabin steward did a great job and she was very pleasant throughout.

The My Fair Lady dining room was clean and classy, not over the top in decor such as Millineum or Adventure but still quite nice. My waiter Morgan from India did a fine job.

I decided to spring for the Chops Grill. Our party had 4 people so its 80 dollars as soon as you walk in. The restuarant is in a good location with mostly window views out the starboard side. Decor was nice but again, not anything special. My waiter was Louis from South Africa. This guy may want to brush up on his people skills. When my wife asked if she could have a couple appetizers, he made a wise guy comment about the portions are big, she couldn't handle them and if she did order he would have to hurt her feelings. He then proceeded to hammer his concept to each individual. When I went to order I started asking him about how I like my steak, he pointed to the menu and he rudely said there is the guidelines and this is how my chef cooks them... well, ok tough guy, my steak which I ordered medium came back rare with blood seeping out the top. He took it back for a cookup which when returned was medium as stated in the menu. He also made a point to tell me he would expedite the return of my check if I tipped him well. Basically, I do not recommend this place regardless of the waiter. If you want top-notch steak go to Smith and Wolenski in Miami Beach. On the plus side though I will state the mud pie desert is quite fantastic.

The Boleros Latin night club was a really nice addition and the band they have playing is top notch. NO quest on this 4 day trip. The casino slots were extremely tight and I did not witness any big huge pulls. One $500.00 winner on wheel of fortune was as good as it got.

Ok, lets talk about ports of call. Key West was nice even though I only live a few hours away. The weather could not have been better. We took the Trolley around the island vs. the train as you can get off the trolley anytime you wish and catch another one every 30 minutes. This guided tour was very informative and cost $25.00 per person Purchase tickets just blocks away from the ship. Also, try the Mel Fisher museum if you want to see a nice selection of jewels and gold taken from a sunken treasure ship of the Florida coast.

Cozumel: There are several of you who are not going to like what I have to say next so don't read this portion. DO NOT GO TO THIS PORT. This place is devistated. Blown out rubble from the hurricane everywhere. There is not one multi level hotel intact at the moment. Carlos and Charlies just opened and it is surrounded by roped off rubble. Even a top Mexican tourist official stated in the Sun-Sentinel recently that is it not fit for travelers. Unless you just have to have a T-shirt, some Vanilla, or cheap Tequila, stay on the ship. I have been about 5 times to this port in the past and believe me when I say it's a sad situation. Okay, so you decide to go. We had 8-10 foot swells and the tender was a horrifying situation. I am an ex US Sailor who has sailed through a monster hurricane so I feel I have some clout on this one. The tender traffic was incredible. We filled up with 400 people squashed like sardines on the tendor and then sat in the swells for 45 minutes waiting our turn to the portion of the pier that was not crumbled into the water. Once we made it to the dock, this is where it got fun. 400 people trying to get off, 4 Mexican dock workers trying to secure the boat as it slaps time and again into the pier, women screaming. Once the boat was tied down, the four guys kept trying to place the heavy steel plate to walk off boat to dock in place while people ran across it. Yes, some people fell but none went into the water. RCCL should really feel ashamed to put people through this but business is business and everyone does have the option to stay on board. The rest of the cruise when you met someone, the greeting was followed by "Hey! Did you do the tendor in Cozumel'?

Sunday was a day at sea and it was quite relaxing as well as multiple activites on-board to choose from.

So to recap. The ship is a great choice, with plenty to do. Save your money instead of Chops order the steak in the My Fair Lady, and Stay out of Cozumel for at least a year. I hope this helps anyone trying to make a vacation decision. Feel free to ask me anything and I will give you an honest assessment.

[bld16]

Will Mid December 2006 be long enough for Cozumel to be a good port stop again?

[GMoney]

Ive been to Cozumel 3 times since the hurricane. I agree there was significant damage, tendering is sub-optimal (and I'm surprised it was attempted in such conditions), and that the island is still recovering. But I strongly disagree with the advice to stay away for a year. Improvements are being made, and there are many nice beaches that can be enjoyed. You just need to be a bit creative, try new things, and know where to go. Plus staying away does nothing to improve the local economy devestated by the storm.

 

Om a side note, we always go to S&W the night before our Miami cruises; steak is incredible. And the Mud Pie dessert at Chops is by far and away the best; I pay the $20 just to have it!

[rolloman]

It is really hard to say, right now they seem to be focusing on the basics, patching together some restuarants, and shopping areas. It is sad that some of the new Malls with escalators at a couple of the piers are now laying in concrete rubble. Keep in mind this is an Island off the coast and getting building supplies there is tough. In my opinion, unless you work for the red cross or happen to be a missionary, take your hard earned vacation dollars elsewhere. If and when this Island improves to a "vacation" spot like it once used to be I say stay away. It is depressing to see what is left, and you will feel cheated if you go. I have no hidden agenda like some folks on this board, I tell it like it is.

[GMoney]

Ive been to Cozumel 3 times since the hurricane. I agree there was significant damage, tendering is sub-optimal (and I'm surprised it was attempted in such conditions), and that the island is still recovering. But I strongly disagree with the advice to stay away for a year. Improvements are being made, and there are many nice beaches that can be enjoyed. You just need to be a bit creative, try new things, and know where to go. Plus staying away does nothing to improve the local economy devestated by the storm.

 

Om a side note, we always go to S&W the night before our Miami cruises; steak is incredible. And the Mud Pie dessert at Chops is by far and away the best; I pay the $20 just to have it!

[naxos]

Sailing next Saturday on the Enchantment 5 day cruise, Never been on this ship before but have sailed Holland, Princess, Nowegian and Regal ( in days past). We booked last minute and have in inside cabin- I would like to find some advice about where there may be some QUIET space on deck. I have always found somewhere on the ship- but oin the Norwegian Wind it was difficult. Pleae help! I did notice that somene had asked previously when I did a search- but the response was to find it on your own. CC has always been helpful before. Any suggestions please?

[GMoney]

Sorry for the double post!

[rolloman]

Some areas for quiet time would be the adult only Solerium pool area. The ship also has a library area. If you really want super quiet time there is a lounge area overlooking the ocean aft in the Health spa. It is the ultimate quiet area to relax, read a book ect.

[jillybabes]

We were in Cozumel last week on the Grandeur and were tendered right into town with no problem. Cinco Soles (my favorite store) is intact and so are many more of the stores. There is much renovation going on, but the day we were in town there were 5 ships and business was booming. We stopped at a wonderful little cafe and were seranaded by guitarists. I say go to Cozumel and support the stores as tourists...You will not be disappointed!:cool: If you have any other questions please ask away...

[naxos]

Thanks rolloman- are any of these spaces outdoors?

[rolloman]

The Solarium is basically outdoors. It is a sun room with a clear. I think it will be perfect to read a book, low noise level.

[phabric]

How was the entertainment. Any food you would recommend. When was Formal Night.

[rolloman]

The restaurant the previous poster is refering to is LA mission. It is a semi outdoor patched back together place.

I live on a beach in South FLorida, therefore I am not freezing, praying for any beach to seek out warmth. I can be selective.

What amazes me is some people are so starved for entertainment that they would consider this torn up Cozumel an option. Imagine the huge world we live in with all the destinations available. Please dont embarrass yourself by telling me to be creative and seek out a patch of sand where there is no rubble or try to convince me to go to the run down shops to buy a T shirt. I have been on every ounce of the Island Cozumel and across the water to the mainland and Tulum.

Every single person I talked to who has any travel background whatsoever completely agrees with me. I am posting this to help others who value their vacation dollar and want the maximum in return. For the same dollars you can go to Puerto Rico, St. Martin. I recommend Lucaya (Freeport) Bahamas for a great beach and low dollar budget. Aruba for a higher budget. Bermuda for the ultimate escape. I just named 5 basically same distance locations which have lush landscape, warm beaches and cruiseships waiting for you to book. If you are on a cruise that has a stop in Cozumel, pay attention to my writings throughout the posts, and really consider your safety. It would really be sad to be on vacation and have a building fall on you. Its that bad...trust me.

[rolloman]

The entertainment was as follows:

 

1st night a comedian- Carl Banks- He was funny and you will recognize him from several sit-coms.

 

2nd night- Production Show- sort of West Side Story theme. Not bad, wife said it was a little too long for her tastes.

 

3rd night- Comedy Magician- Brutal, basically card tricks and rope tricks with juvenile humor.

 

4th night-Sean and Dave and the Farewell show. They were better than the magician. Worth going to see as they show the cruise in review video.

 

Do not miss the band So Y Arena in the Boleros Lounge, they are really good.

 

One another note the cruise director Carly Boileau as far as an entertainer and public speaker goes, she is horrible. I really missed Matt Baker who moved on to Hollywood.

[rolloman]

Formal night is the 2nd night. Midnight buffet 3rd night. Food I would recommend. I love the ceasar salad. Escargot is usually a big choice by all. One night they had an oriental chicken soup which was good. Main courses I would choose the Garlic Shrimp on the first night. Chefs choice beef filet on the 2cnd night. Lobster Ravioli on the third night. 4th night was recommended to me to reserved for Chops. But from my review above I would not recommend Chops as it is too pricey for what you are actually getting in return. If you do go to Chops, get the Mud Pie desert.

[jillybabes]

Rolloman: FYI the restaurant I was referring to was Plaza Leca and was not at all hit by hurricane Wilma! We too live on the beach on the West Coast of Florida and therefore did not go to the beaches so I can not report on their condition. All I can say is we are well travelled, like the Eastern Caribbean better than the Western Caribbean and having not been to Coz since 2001 had a wonderful day there. You make it sound like it is a war zone and it is not!

[ilionite65]

I agree with jillybabes. We had been to cozumel prior to the hurricane and have been back since. I think that rolloman is talking to extreems when he states that the conditions are so bad as to have a building fall on you. We weren't concerned for our safety here anymore than we would be on any other island. I also had the exact oppisite experience at Chops. I too have eaten in many 5 star resturants and found the steaks at Chops to be easily as good. Since food is so subjective I think it wise for people to try for themselves. Having sailed on the Enchantment last month and booked again for next Aug. I obviously really enjoyed this ship.

[rolloman]

Jillbabes I really dont appreciate your smirk in the first post. You may not have been disapppointed yet everyone at my table, some who had never been to Cozumel stated they were! Have you ever been in a war zone?? I have and it looks very similar. No vegetation, except for a few freshly planted palms. From the ship the view was 4 large gutted hotel buildings. On the ground boulders of crumbled concrete. Four piers laying in the water with jagged concrete sticking up. What happens if one of those junky tendors loses an engine? yeah thats right.... you drift right into the busted concrete. Make sure your lucky enough grab one of the few life jackets above your head.

I am very happy for you that your tendor trip was just perfect and your favorite T shirt shop defeated all odds and did not experience the Cat 5 storm the rest of the Island did.

If you honestly support the idea of talking fellow cruise critic folks into saying this Island is a fine get away for their hard earned dollars over Puerto Rico, St. Martin, South Florida (east side), Bermuda, Aruba, then quite frankly you have a hidden agenda. Such as travel agent, Cozumel business owner/investor.

[GMoney]

Hi Rolloman - I agree with Jillybabes. The point was never that Cozumel was a premier destination. The other places you mention are very nice in their own right, and I agree that people should be aware of the alternatives, and that tendering can be a hassle (but no more than other tendering destinations). But to write off Cozumel (which is an extremely common port of call handling more cruise ship passengers annually than St Thomas) for a year, and raise concerns about buildings falling on folks is irresponsible.

 

Beaches at Punta Sur, Playa Bonita and others along the east / south east coast are in great shape and make for a nice outing, especially when the surf is up.

 

I also never encouraged going to Cozumel to buy a tshirt. Shopping isnt my thing (though on the 3 times I've been there recently, many stores were open and folks from the 5 ships in port seemed to be partronizing them).

 

I'm sure the rebuilding will continue, and I agree that some things - particularly the piers - will take more time. It would be nice to see the Mexican government taking a more active role in the rebuilding (similar to our situation with New Orleans). But with a little patience and the right expectations, Cozumel can still be enjoyed as a port of call.

[rolloman]

Gmoney. I appreciate your response, right up to the point where you called my opinion irresponsible. Let me ask you a few questions. Is it irresponsible to make people aware that while they are walking down the sidewalk if they were to look above their heads and they could see crumpled wind damaged building materials in the upper portion of the buildings they are walking under?

Is it irresponsible to point out that the old ferries are being used and taken dangerously close to piers that once were, have jagged peaks sticking out of the water? Keep in mind this mine field is not present in Grand Cayman nor Coco Cay before you answer. I was there basically hours ago and it was a nightmare. RCCL had no option but to deliver passengers to this Island that day. Its called the Jones Act. Read it. I love RCCL but do to their business( as well as all of the cruise industry) needs they have no choice but to continue dropping passengers off. Regardless of safety risks. My goal is to educate fellow cruisers in their decision making on whether to go to this island. What is your goal? Play devils advocate all day with me?

[steve20832]

I was on the same ship as Rolloman and Cozumel is in very bad shape. RCCL should not be stopping here until the island is really ready for tourists. The only thing open is the shopping area. (Mostly jewelry and cheap quality t-shirts.) Not to mention it took several hours to clear customs and get the tender from the ship to the island. I also did a review on the same cruise http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=281153

[GMoney]

Hi Rollo - My goal is to offer an alternative view from someone who has been on 40 cruises and visited Cozumel 3 times since the storm. That's what boards are for - exchanging ideas and creating open dialogue. There's no harm in differing opinions.

 

It sounds like you had a very bad experience; that's unfortunate. And we agree about the devestation on the island, particularly with the pier. I think there's risk anytime you get on a tender anywhere. Older ferries are not unique to Cozumel. And while I know that RCI is motivated primarily by one thing - money - I do not think they (and other lines) would be foolish enough resume operations to Cozumel if they were not reasonable confident it could be done safely. They could easily substitute Costa Maya, Belize City or other ports.

 

I am familiar with the Jones Act (specifically its the Passenger Services Act) about foreign flagged ships sailing from a US port having to stop at least 1 foreign port of call, but I'm sure exceptions can be made in unique circumstances, particularly if safetly is a concern.

 

Thousands of passengers have come and gone from Cozumel since Wilma, apparently with no issues.

 

Our opinions are closer than they are apart. I just think some of your comments about falling buildings and abandoning the island for a year are extreme. I guess we agree to to disagree! :) I know I'll have a great time when I'm back in Cozumel in early Feb!

[steve20832]

rolloman, you state that your goal is to educate. My question is, where did you get your degree? Also who hired you? If it were up to me you would never get tenure! Your post is irresponsible and you seem to be a bit full of yourself! I also had no problem with the tendering procedure in Cozumel and I find your dire prediction of a tender crashing on a piece of jutting pier to be laughable! Your statement to jillybabe that he/she has an alterior motive for posting his/her opinion is inane!

 

ilionite65 - You were not on this cruise and I was. It took almost 3 hours for us to go from ship to shore because of customs and the slow tender process. We were on the 2nd tender out. We overheard some people at dinner saying they got off the ship at 1:30pm and really didn't have time to do anything because they only had a couple hours on shore. The pier will not be fixed for many months, Here are 2 pictures I took of the pier. (I hope the pictures show up.)

[rolloman]

Thanks Gmoney. Lets hope the island gets back to normal as soon as possible. One thing is for sure, the ships are going to keep on heading in there. Also thanks for backing me up Steve. Nice little waves we had on the way home eh? As for the remarks by illatnite? I am not going to bite. I think Gmoney, Steve and myself have pretty much agreed this port is not what it once was. Be alert until it is 100 percent. I will leave it at that.

[steve20832]

Rolloman check out my review when you get a chance. (Look at the negative comments I made and give me feedback please)